Join this unique professional development event, featuring keynote speaker, Joan Almon, author of The Value of Risk in Children's Play and The Crisis in Kindergarten: Why Children Need Play in School.

Participants will gain new ideas for nature play for young children at hands-on activity stations, develop a deepened awareness of the research demonstrating that nature play facilitates all domains of children’s development, learn strategies to communicate the importance of nature play, and leave with a network of local professionals working together to promote nature play in formal and informal education settings.

The event is organized by the Alliance for Early Childhood, Chicago Wilderness, and Chicago Botanic Garden. Special thanks to Backyard Nature Center, Greeley Elementary School, Kohl Children’s Museum, Lake Forest Open Lands, Northfield Community Nursery School, Wilmette Public Library, Winnetka Park District, and Bluestem Communications for assisting in the planning and facilitation of this event.